Chivas launches the extra 13 collection and we love it

This isn’t your usual alcohol review. Mostly because it isn’t a review, but an introduction to the brand new Chivas Extra 13 collection.

Specifically, the Oloroso Sherry Cask and the American Rye Cask, which, like the name suggests has a portion of the blend finished in the respective casks. This is actually two of a series of four new whiskys, but Rum Cask will only be available via travel retail outlets and Chivas Extra 13 Tequila Cask will be exclusive to Mexico.

These whiskys are aged to a refined 13 years and blended specifically to bring something new to the established Chivas collection.

Get to know Chivas

While most of us know Chivas Regal as a fine scotch whiskey, their history is one of many firsts. Their first product in the market was a 25 year old whisky in 1909, which made it the oldest blended Scotch whisky of its era, but it was also the world’s first luxury whisky.

Now Chivas Regal is sold in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. They have an obsessive focus on quality and through out their century plus history they have had only five master blenders, ensuring consistency and quality throughout.

Why the new Chivas collection?

The new collection is inspired by pioneering whisky blenders and founding brothers James and John Chivas who imported rums, exotic spices, and luxury food items from across the globe to their emporium at 13 King Street, Aberdeen.

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Each additional cask brought into the maturation or finishing process imparts its own unique combination of characteristics onto the Chivas blend, bringing a number of new flavour notes to the spirit for the first time.

• Extra 13 Oloroso Sherry Cask: the selective Oloroso Sherry cask maturation delivers a richer finish, with hints of sweet ripe pears in syrup, vanilla caramel, cinnamon sweets and almonds.
• Extra 13 American Rye Cask: the selective American Rye cask finish delivers an exceptionally smooth and mellow finish, with flavours of sweet and juicy orange and creamy milk chocolate
• Chivas Extra 13 Rum Cask: the selective Rum cask finish delivers a sweet finish with rich flavours of juicy orange, sweet apricot jam and honey offset by warm and spicy cinnamon flavours.
• Chivas Extra 13 Tequila Cask: the selective Tequila cask finish delivers a sweet and round finish, with hints of grapefruit and pineapple.

There’s a new focus on design

One of the first things that jumps out at you is the bold design of the Chivas Extra 13 boxes. This is because of the artwork by renowned street artist Greg Gossel. This goes a bit against tradition with Scotch whisky, but is a fresh approach to pack
design.

The artwork is especially striking by blending images from its history with contemporary designs celebrating each finishing cask’s vibrant heritage.

Where can you get the new collection?

Both the Oloroso Sherry Cask and the American Rye Cask are available globally, so check your local stockists or online store to find out where you can get your bottle now.

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If you’re keen to try the Chivas Extra 13 Tequila Cask, which is exclusive to Mexico, it will be made available globally sometime this year, so just hold on a little bit longer.

So there you have it, our introduction to the brand new Chivas Extra 13 collection. We’ve already cracked into both bottles and can attest to the fact it is a good classic blended whisky, so definitely give it a try when you get the chance.